Process:

1. First visit the SFS KIDS: Instruments of the Orchestra  section of the San Francisco Symphony web site to refresh yourselves with the musical families of the orchestra. Investigate each section (Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion), read through the information on each instrument and listen to each of them play.

2. Next stop by the Musical Instruments section of the Musical Notes web site and read through some of the information (technical and historical). Write down four interesting facts you discovered – your choice of one instrument from each section – on your Musical Instrument Fact Sheet.

3. Tune into the radio located at the SFS Kids site and browse through the channels. Answer the five questions found on your Radio News Sheet.

4. Another great site for kids is DSO Kids presented by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. When you enter the Music Room, you will see lots of choices of what to explore. Start with “Instrument Encyclopedia” found at the piano. You also might enjoy hearing the instruments found in “Listen To The Music” area located in the boom box under the green table. And be sure to see the “Orchestra Seating Chart.” You will be amazed at how orchestras have changed through the years.

5. Now go to the Play Music site, visit each instrument family section of the orchestra and be sure to see the short video clips “Cool kids play music!” Then answer the questions on the Play Music Information Sheet.

6. Snoop around the Instrument Storage Room at the New York Philharmonic KidZone web site. You will find lots of cool information about all the instruments and get to hear them, too.

7. Now that you are familiar with all four musical instrument families, it is time to create your own unique and imaginary Musical Instrument Quartet. Here are the guidelines: one instrument must play in the high register; one in the low and the other two can be in any register.

8. Finally, narrow your choices of instruments to study in 5th Grade Orchestra to two finalists. Create your Venn Diagram.